At a glance
- Who it's for
- People ages 5 to 65. A parent or guardian joins visits for patients under 18.
- Where
- In person at our Sugar Land, TX office, or by secure video for people located in Texas, Idaho, Arizona or Maryland.
- Provider
- Victor Onodjacha, MSN, PMHNP-BC: a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, not a physician.
- First step
- A psychiatric evaluation. Send a one-minute request or call.
- Cost
- Many major plans, checked before your first visit, or self-pay. Insurance and fees
- Not for emergencies
- Call or text 988, or call 911.
By secure video
Telehealth in Texas, Idaho, Arizona and Maryland
For patients who are located in Texas, Idaho, Arizona or Maryland at the time of the visit.
Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Saturday telehealth appointments by request: call or email.
| State | Licence | Number | Current through | Check it yourself |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | APRN | #320275 | 04/01/2029 | Nursys QuickConfirm (used by the Arizona Board of Nursing) |
Who can use telehealth with us in Arizona?
Our Arizona care is for people who want outpatient psychiatric care and can join a video visit while they are in the state. You might live in a larger city such as Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Scottsdale, Flagstaff or Yuma, or in a small town far from any of them. The visit works the same way.
There is one firm rule: you need to be physically located in Arizona during every visit. Our only office is in Texas, and Arizona care is by video only, so you are not expected to travel. The clinic sees patients ages 5 to 65.
Video care is outpatient care. DanShalom Behavioral Clinic is not an emergency service. If you are in crisis, call or text 988, or call 911 if you or someone else is in immediate danger.
What can be done by video, and what may need an in-person visit?
Most of what we do fits a video visit. Care usually begins with a psychiatric evaluation, a conversation about your symptoms, health history, current medications, family history, daily life and goals. We share our impressions and talk through options with you. Follow-up visits check how the plan is working, and brief psychotherapy, short-term and focused talk therapy, can be part of them.
If medication comes up, any decision is made together with you after the evaluation. Not every medication can be prescribed at every kind of visit, and some may require an in-person visit. We explain what applies to you, and our medication management page describes how follow-up works. Please do not start, stop or change a medication on your own: talk with your prescriber first.
Some situations are better served in person. A provider may not be able to reach a diagnosis without examining you, a lab test may be needed, or you may need more support than outpatient visits can give. When that happens, we tell you plainly and explain your options, including care nearer to you in Arizona.
How does a video visit work from start to finish?
- Send a requestUse the short appointment request form or call (346) 855-6216, and mention that you will be in Arizona for your visits.
- We check your coverageBefore the first visit, we review your insurance benefits or talk with you about self-pay.
- Confirm the timeWe agree on a date and time and explain how to join the secure video visit.
- Join from a private spotConnect from a quiet place in Arizona where you can talk freely. Your provider is the same person at every visit.
- Plan the next step togetherAt the end, we go over what was discussed and what happens next, such as a follow-up visit.
How should I get ready, and how is my privacy protected?
A video visit needs a smartphone, tablet or computer with a camera and microphone, plus an internet connection steady enough for video. A weak connection or a device that misbehaves can interrupt a session, so a short test the day before helps.
- Have a list of your current medications and any past mental health records you can find.
- Pick a spot where people nearby cannot see or overhear you. Headphones help.
- Use your own device and a private network rather than public Wi-Fi if you can.
- Never join a visit while driving.
- Keep our number, (346) 855-6216, handy in case the video drops.
Checking your visit time in Arizona
- Arizona generally does not observe daylight saving time, so the time difference between you and our Texas office can change during the year.
- When you book, ask us to confirm each visit time in your local Arizona time.
Who will I see, and what does a psychiatric nurse practitioner do?
Your visits are with Victor Onodjacha, MSN, PMHNP-BC, who is licensed as an advanced practice registered nurse in Arizona. You can read more about Victor.
A psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse with a master's or doctoral degree, national certification and state licensure. Nurse practitioners in this specialty assess, diagnose and treat mental health conditions, and their work can include medication treatment and psychotherapy. Our page on how a PMHNP differs from a physician who specializes in psychiatry explains the two roles.
Will my insurance cover a video visit?
The clinic accepts many major insurance plans and offers self-pay. Telehealth coverage varies by plan and by state, so we check your benefits before your first visit instead of assuming. See our insurance page for current details, and tell us when you request care that you are in Arizona.
Where can I get crisis help in Arizona?
We cannot send help to your location. Arizona's Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) says crisis services in the state are available to any Arizona resident, whatever their insurance coverage. It lists these lines:
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988, or use 988 Lifeline chat, at any hour.
- Arizona Statewide Crisis Hotline: call 1-844-534-HOPE (4673), text 4HOPE (44673), or chat with a crisis specialist.
- Teen Lifeline, especially for teens: call or text 602-248-TEEN (8336).
- Mobile crisis teams: AHCCCS describes teams of behavioral health professionals who travel to the person in crisis, available around the clock. Ask about one when you call a crisis line.
- Immediate danger: call 911.
Questions patients ask
Can I have a visit while I am traveling outside Arizona?
Only if you are in Texas, Idaho or Maryland at the time, the other states where we provide care. We cannot hold a visit while you are located in any other state. If you will be away, tell us ahead of time and we will plan the appointment around the days you are back in Arizona.
What happens if the video connection drops during my visit?
Try rejoining the visit first, and check that your device is still connected to the internet. If the video will not come back, call the clinic at (346) 855-6216 so we know what happened. It helps to make sure the phone number we have for you is current, and to ask us how a visit that was cut short is completed.
Can a family member join my visit?
Yes, if you want them there. Some people find it useful to have a family member share what they have noticed. For patients under 18, a parent or guardian must be present at appointments, and the patient needs to be in Arizona during the appointment. If you would rather have part of the visit on your own, say so.
Can you work with my doctor or therapist in Arizona?
With your permission, we can coordinate with your primary care provider or therapist, wherever they practice. Sharing information this way can help everyone stay on the same page about your plan. Bring their names and contact details to your first visit, and we will ask you to give permission before any information is shared.
Do I need insurance to use the Arizona crisis line?
No. According to AHCCCS, Arizona's crisis services are available to any Arizona resident regardless of health insurance coverage. You can call 1-844-534-HOPE (4673) or contact 988. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 instead of waiting for a call back.
References
- Getting Mental Health Support Virtually (National Institute of Mental Health)
- Telehealth (MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine)
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing (American Psychiatric Nurses Association)
- Crisis Hotlines (Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, AHCCCS)
- Frequently Asked Questions, Treasurer: office hours and daylight saving time (Cochise County, Arizona)
Published by DanShalom Behavioral Clinic. Last updated .